Hafsah Dabiri
Ramadan is an important month in the Islamic calendar during which Muslims and those who follow Islam, fast for 29 to 30 days.
When is Ramadan 2021?
These dates are all dependent on when the moon is sighted.
Ramadan begins on/around the evening of Monday 12th April 2021.
Ramadan will last for 29 or 30 days.
Ramadan will end on/around Wednesday, 12 May 2021
Save the image below to save the dates!
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the name of the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. During this month, Muslims from all over the world fast from sunrise until sunset. It’s one of the five pillars of the Islam to fast during the month. Every adult is obligated to fast, except those who are suffering from an illness, are traveling, are elderly or pregnant. When fasting, Muslims cannot eat, drink (and yes, not even water) or have sexual intercourse.
Muslims don’t fast just to remember the poor. It goes beyond that. Not eating anything gives Muslims time to focus on other things, like their religion for example. During the month, Muslims pray more and they recite the Quran each day. It’s more about seeking nearness to God spiritually and being more pious.
What I like about this month is that it’s a great annual moment of reflection. Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance and as a person. To try to improve yourself as a person.
The last ten days of the month are very special days in the life of every Muslim. According to Muslims, they are the most blessed days in the month of Ramadan. It’s when the Quran was revealed.
Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan?
Muslims fast in Ramadan because they were commanded to do so in the Quran by Allah swt.
He said; “O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun” (Surah Baqarah Verse 183).
According to Surah Imran (verse 17), Al-Muttaqun are those who are patient, those who are true, those who are obedient in worshiping Allah, those who spend (in the Way of Allah), and those who seek forgiveness in the last hours of the night.
It is a month of reconnection and reflection, allowing Muslims to develop their relationship with Allah and transform themselves.
For help in how to prepare for the Month, check out this article!
